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Objections to proposed Stretham wind turbines begin to mount up
Credit: Daniel Mansfield | Ely Standard | August 12, 2014 | www.elystandard.co.uk ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
Residents in Stretham have begun to voice their worries over plans to erect two 75m high wind turbines.
Farmer Chris Attle has applied to East Cambridgeshire District Council for permission to erect the two turbines on Red Hill Farm, in Cambridge Road, an arable and beef farm.
The blades of the two turbines will stretch to some 54m in diameter and, at maximum capacity, the turbines will be capable of generating enough power for hundreds of homes.
But some neighbours of the site say it will damage wildlife and created an unwanted nuisance for villagers.
Malcolm Baines said: “The turbines will have a visual effect on the local landscape. “The A10 is a busy road at any time and the extra traffic caused by the contractors will make thing worse creating hazard and chaos.
“There is also the impact on wildlife. Bats, a protected species, are drawn to turbines, also the turbines are in the flight path of migrating birds.”
Roger Morris said: “Apart from the visual and aural impact of such structures, I question the efficacy of this technology.
“Developers receive huge subsidies, the turbines are manufactured off shore, the site owner is more than happy to receive a hefty income for use of his land and, of course, the taxpayers pay for such largesse through increased utility bills.”
And Alison Pearson added: “Wind turbines have a ‘flicker’ effect – that is a repeating shadow which is cast over the landscape as the sun catches the blades.
“These two turbines will be situated right next to the A10. Already a dangerous enough road, this ‘flicker’ effect could well be a distraction to motorists, whilst in some susceptible people it can trigger migraines and even epileptic fits.”
Campaigners fighting plans for three wind turbines in nearby Haddenham have argued that the visual impact and shadow flicker from turbines planned for Berry Fen would be overwhelming but Mr Attle argued that the Stretham turbines would not present a problem
A report submitted to the district council said: “The tower height of 75 meters is strongly recommended by the turbine manufacturers in this location.
“While the tower will be very visible in the flat landscape it would be equally visible were the tower to be slightly smaller.
“As there will only be two turbines and the land around the proposed site is all arable we do not envisage there will be any significant impact on the immediate landscape, and any slight impact that might occur would be outweighed by the benefits of the proposal.”
As part of the plans, the applicant has pledged to donate five per cent of the income generated by the turbines to Stretham and Wilburton parish councils, on an annual basis.
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